Language requirement and accepted proofs

Following décret n° 2025-648 of 15 July 2025, applicants for naturalisation par décret, and for nationality by declaration on the basis of marriage, must prove French at least at level B2 of the CEFR, both oral and written. Under the transitional rules, applications filed before 1 January 2026 are in principle examined under the previous rules (B1). If you are unsure which rules apply to your file, ask your préfecture.

• Diplôme national du brevet
• A State diploma at level 3 or above of the national framework of professional certifications
• A professional certification at level 3 or above registered in the RNCP
• A diploma certifying French at level B2 or above (e.g. DELF B2, DALF)

Check the exact current list on service-public.gouv.fr before relying on a particular diploma.

• TCF (test de connaissance du français), issued by France Éducation International
• TEF (test d'évaluation du français), issued by the CCI Paris Île-de-France

The attestation must have been issued less than 2 years before you use it and must show B2 or above. Choose the test version intended for nationality applications and confirm with the test centre when booking.

• Adjustments to the test, or a full exemption, when a disability or health condition requires it (medical certificate needed; the administration may order a medical check)
• For naturalisation par décret only: political refugees or stateless people over 70 who have lived in France for at least 15 years with a valid residence permit

Do not confuse levels: since 1 January 2026, a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle requires A2 and a first carte de résident requires B1 (applicants under 65). Naturalisation requires B2.